Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Who says delicious dinners need to be complicated? This slow cooker pot roast is your set-it-and-forget-it solution to a busy weekday.

This recipe transforms a robust chuck roast into a tender and flavorful dish. Served alongside hearty potatoes and sweet carrots with savory jus, this effortless meal is both fulfilling and flavorful.

Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let time do the rest. 8 hours later, you’re rewarded with a succulent, fall-apart roast enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that makes your every bite a delight. Perfect for a comforting meal after a long day!

Recipe Video

 

Why This Recipe Works

This easy slow cooker pot roast recipe works because it's incredibly easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time. The convenience of using a slow cooker allows you to simply set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days. The low and slow cooking method breaks down tough cuts of meat like chuck roast, resulting in tender, juicy meat infused with rich flavors from the broth and vegetables. It's a reliable way to achieve a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Roast:

For the best slow cooker pot roast, choose well-marbled cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or bottom round, as they become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. Alternatives to beef include pork shoulder, which also benefits from slow cooking and has a rich, savory taste, or lamb shoulder for a more robust flavor. For a lighter option, try using a whole chicken or turkey breast, though cooking times will vary.

Seasonings:

A good cut of meat really doesn't need much more seasoning other than salt and pepper. However, to expand the flavor profile of your slow cooker pot roast, you can experiment with seasonings such as rosemary, paprika, and onion powder.

Beef Broth:

In addition to keeping the meat and vegetables moist during cooking, the beef broth adds an extra layer of flavor to your slow cooker pot roast. However, you can also use chicken broth, vegetable broth, red wine, water, soy sauce, or a combination of any of the above to achieve the same thing.

Vegetables:

Carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and potatoes are all excellent additions to this recipe for slow cooker pot roast with vegetables due to their ability to hold up well during long cooking times and complement the flavors of the chuck roast. Other vegetables that can be added include parsnips, turnips, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These additions can add variety and depth to the flavors of your slow cooker pot roast.

Herbs:

Bay leaf and thyme are used in slow cooker pot roast for their aromatic qualities, adding complexity to the dish. Other herbs like rosemary, parsley, sage, and oregano can also enhance the flavors, complementing the savory nature of the roast and vegetables.

Worcestershire Sauce:

Worcestershire sauce is added for its savory and umami flavors. You can also use soy sauce in your slow cooker pot roast to add those same flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Step One: 

Heat the olive oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step Two: 

Season the roast with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pan to sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step Three: 

Add the seared roast to the slow cooker along with the remaining slow cooker pot roast ingredients.

Step Four:

Cover with a lid, and cook on low for 8 hours.

Step Five: 

Serve your slow cooker pot roast dinner with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!

Tips

  • After cooking the roast, use the leftover cooking liquid to make a flavorful gravy. Simply strain the liquid, then thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or a roux.
  • Let the roast rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent.

What to Serve With a Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This recipe is great as is, but feel free to add one of the side dishes bellow:

Mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite, as their creamy texture perfectly complements the tender meat and rich gravy.

Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, add a fresh and nutritious element to the plate.

For a comforting element, consider serving warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

FAQs

Why do I need to sear the meat before slow cooking?

While this step isn't mandatory, searing the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor by caramelizing the surface and locking in the juices.

Is it okay to lift the lid of the slow cooker during cooking?

It’s best to avoid lifting the lid frequently, as it releases heat and can extend the cooking time. If you need to check, do it quickly and infrequently.

How can I make sure the vegetables don't get too mushy?

Cut vegetables into larger chunks to help them hold up better during the long cooking time. If they tend to get too soft, add them halfway through the cooking process.

Can I overcook a pot roast in the slow cooker?

It’s difficult to overcook a pot roast in the slow cooker, especially on the low setting. However, cooking it too long on high can make the meat dry and tough.

What should I do if my pot roast turns out tough?

If your pot roast is tough, it likely needs more cooking time. Let it cook longer on the low setting until it becomes tender.

What's the best way to store leftover slow cooker pot roast?

You can store leftover slow cooker pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I make it In the Instant Pot?

Yes. You can save time by using your pressure cooker instead. For step-by-step instructions check out this Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe.

Smilar Recipes

For more recipes that allow you to have a meal ready and waiting, check out this collection of our favorite recipes.

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Instant Pot London Broil

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

Rump Roast in Oven

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Make a delicious and tender beef roast with potatoes and carrots in a slow cooker. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
4.84 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef pot roast, beef roast, Slow Cooker beef Roast, slow cooker pot roast
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Corrie

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 pound chuck roast
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
  • 1-2 teaspoons black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound baby potatoes
  • 3 stalks celery chopped
  • 3 carrots chopped
  • 1 cup white onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 5 sprigs thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the roast with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pan to sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Add the seared roast to the slow cooker along with the remaining slow cooker pot roast ingredients.
  • Cover with a lid, and cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Serve your slow cooker pot roast dinner with fresh cilantro, and enjoy 🙂

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcal Carbohydrates: 21g Protein: 47g Fat: 31g Saturated Fat: 12g Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 17g Trans Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 156mg Sodium: 1195mg Potassium: 1352mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 4g Vitamin A: 5183IU Vitamin C: 21mg Calcium: 88mg Iron: 6mg

Notes

  • After cooking the roast, use the leftover cooking liquid to make a flavorful gravy. Simply strain the liquid, then thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or a roux.
  • Let the roast rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent.
Tried this Recipe?Mention @corriecooksblog or tag #corriecooks!

2 thoughts on “Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating